Former Vice President and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has decried the recent massacre in Yelwata, Benue State.
In a statement shared on his X account, Mr Atiku urged Nigerians to demand accountability from those in power.
He described the incident as a tragic reflection of the worsening insecurity plaguing the country.
“I am deeply anguished and shocked by the devastating news of the fresh attacks in Benue State, where over 100 innocent lives are feared lost. These killings, once again targeting defenceless communities, underscore the escalating insecurity crisis facing our nation,” he wrote on Saturday night.
He expressed profound sympathy for the victims’ families, highlighting the emotional and humanitarian toll of the attack.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and communities who have suffered unimaginable loss. As a nation, we must pause and reflect on the mounting human toll of this senseless violence.
“I urge the Federal Government and Benue State authorities to launch a prompt, transparent investigation into the attack. The identities of the perpetrators must be swiftly uncovered and justice served.
“Enhance security presence in the region, deploying necessary resources, personnel, equipment, and intelligence to guarantee the protection of vulnerable rural areas,” he said.
Mr Atiku further recommended meaningful engagement with local communities through traditional institutions and civil society groups as a way to rebuild trust and strengthen resilience.
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Mr Atiku also called for urgent relief measures, including trauma counselling, healthcare, and economic support for those affected by the violence.
“This assault on innocent Nigerians is not just a local tragedy, it is a national emergency that demands immediate attention and decisive action. I call on all Nigerians, regardless of tribe or religion, to unite in condemning this atrocity.
“We must hold our leaders accountable and insist on sustainable solutions to the violent tragedies claiming lives across the country. May God comfort the grieving families, heal our nation, and help us reclaim peace and security for all.”
Deadly invasion in Yelwata
On 14 June 2025, armed assailants believed to be herders, reportedly attacked the community of Yelwata in Benue State, killing multiple residents.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, issued a statement on Sunday denouncing the violence, stressing that there is no justification for the unlawful taking of human life.
In response to the attack, angry youths staged a protest on Sunday at the Wurukum food basket roundabout in Makurdi, demanding justice and expressing frustration over what they described as government silence in the wake of the massacre.
The demonstrators, who gathered at the site at 8 a.m., called out both President Bola Tinubu and Mr Alia for their lack of visible response to the killings of children, women, and the elderly.
Solomon Amande, one of the protesters, voiced the group’s discontent, noting that Benue youths could no longer remain quiet while innocent lives were being taken.
An attempt by Deputy Governor Sam Ode to address the crowd was met with resistance, as protesters insisted that Mr Alia should come and speak to them directly.
Tensions rose further when security operatives moved in to disperse the crowd, deploying tear gas as clashes escalated.
